These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors. Crispy, teriyaki-glazed chicken is paired with a creamy, sesame cucumber slaw and served in soft tortillas. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors come together perfectly for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s customizable with fresh avocado and herbs, making it a meal everyone will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Creamy Cucumber Slaw:

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

  • 1 tsp chili crunch (optional)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 large cucumber (or 3-4 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced

  • 1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions, mint)

  • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

• For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper

  • 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce

  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• For Serving:

  • 8 flour tortillas (6-inch)

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

  • Extra sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the Instant Pot, add the chicken and 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce. Set to pressure cook for 10 minutes. After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks.

   • Preheat the oven to broil. Drizzle the shredded chicken with ¼ cup teriyaki sauce and 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce. Broil for 3-6 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

2. Prepare the Creamy Cucumber Slaw:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch (if using), and salt.

   • Add the thinly sliced cucumber and fresh herbs. Toss to combine and set aside.

3. Assemble the Tacos:

   • Warm tortillas (either on a stovetop flame or in a microwave).

   • Layer each tortilla with crispy teriyaki chicken, creamy cucumber slaw, and sliced avocado.

   • Top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and any remaining fresh herbs.

Nutrients (per 2 tacos serving)

• Calories: 523

• Carbohydrates: 46.6g

  • Fiber: 3.5g

  • Sugar: 8.9g

• Fat: 22.1g

  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g

• Protein: 35g

• Cholesterol: 109.7mg

• Sodium: 1636.1mg

• Potassium: 508mg

The Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Crispy

The teriyaki chicken is the heart of these tacos, offering a rich and savory flavor profile with just the right amount of sweetness. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this dish as they stay moist and tender while absorbing the flavors of the teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce. Cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot allows it to become incredibly tender, and broiling the shredded chicken with extra teriyaki sauce creates a crispy, caramelized texture that adds depth and richness to the dish. The slight crispiness on the edges of the chicken provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy cucumber slaw, making each bite even more delicious.

The Creamy Sesame Cucumber Slaw: Crunch and Freshness

The creamy cucumber slaw adds a refreshing element to the tacos, balancing the rich and savory chicken with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor. The slaw is made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sweet chili sauce, creating a creamy base with a hint of sweetness. The cucumber, thinly sliced for maximum crunch, is the perfect addition, offering a fresh, cool contrast to the warm, savory chicken. Fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, and mint bring brightness and a fragrant herbal note, while sesame seeds add a delicate nuttiness. If you’re a fan of a little heat, the chili crunch is an optional addition that provides a spicy kick, rounding out the slaw’s flavor.

Tacos: The Perfect Vessel

The soft flour tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos, gently cradling the flavorful fillings while allowing them to shine. Whether you warm the tortillas on a stovetop flame for a light char or quickly heat them in the microwave, they provide the perfect balance of softness and pliability to hold the filling. The tortillas complement the savory and creamy elements of the taco without overwhelming them, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.

Customizing Your Tacos

One of the best things about these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos is how customizable they are. You can easily add fresh avocado slices, which provide a rich, creamy element that enhances the other flavors. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor, while additional sesame seeds give a touch of nuttiness. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or green onions make a great garnish, contributing bright, aromatic notes to the dish. You can even swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

Making these tacos is straightforward and comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the Instant Pot with teriyaki sauce. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks. Drizzle the shredded chicken with more teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce, then broil for 3-6 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

2. Prepare the Creamy Cucumber Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch (if using), and salt. Add the thinly sliced cucumber and fresh herbs, then toss to combine. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and layer each one with a generous amount of crispy teriyaki chicken, followed by a heaping spoonful of creamy cucumber slaw. Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess, and top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and additional fresh herbs.

4. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately, enjoying them with your favorite sides or a cold beverage.

Nutritional Benefits of Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

Each serving of Teriyaki Chicken Tacos (2 tacos per serving) provides approximately 523 calories, making it a satisfying meal. With 35 grams of protein, it’s a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function. The 22 grams of fat include both healthy unsaturated fats from the sesame oil and avocado and some saturated fat from the chicken. The dish provides 46.6 grams of carbohydrates, with 3.5 grams of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full. Additionally, the tacos offer 8.9 grams of sugar, mainly from the sweet chili sauce and other natural ingredients, making them flavorful but not overwhelmingly sweet. The dish is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, contributing to immune function and overall health.

Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are great on their own, but they pair well with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Consider serving them with a side of fried rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad. You could also serve a tangy dipping sauce on the side, such as soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar, or a spicy sriracha mayo to add more heat. For a lighter meal, serve the tacos with a simple cucumber or cabbage slaw on the side, which will complement the flavors of the tacos while adding some extra crunch.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and exciting fusion dish that combines the best of both Asian and Mexican cuisines. With their crispy, savory chicken, creamy cucumber slaw, and customizable toppings, these tacos deliver bold flavors in every bite. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering with friends and family. The fusion of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements makes this dish both satisfying and unique, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these tacos are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.